Martin Bright wins challenge to soldiers’ protest ban

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Sergeant Martin Bright succeeded in his constitutional challenge to an order barring soldiers from unofficial protests, the High Court ruled on 14 May 2024. The order concerned soldiers attending protests in civilian clothing, including a Dublin demonstration over Defence Forces pay and conditions.

Justice Mark Sanfey found the order breached Bright’s constitutional rights and exceeded the issuing officer’s powers because it was disproportionate. He said the relevant Defence Forces Act provision did not impose a general ban on political activity.

The judge said the order went further than necessary and that rules on off-duty political activity required regulation by the Minister for Defence. He did not consider it necessary to decide Bright’s European Convention claims.